How to Shop Small This Holiday Season

It's almost time to start sipping hot cocoa, turn on the Christmas carols, and bust out the holiday decorations.  (Who am I kidding, we've been doing that since October.) But for all you folks adhering to a traditional timeline...LET'S GET JOLLY!

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal and start thinking about what deals you're going to shop on Friday, I strongly encourage, implore you even, to shop small this holiday season.  Because, let's be honest, Am*zon is doing just fine.

Instead, think of your local coffee shop, your favorite homeware goods joint, your neighborhood plant store, your favorite restaurant in town.  Think of your cousin's Etsy shop, your neighbor's cookie company, the toy store run by the little old couple with the funky glasses.  Think of your local bookstores!!  And perhaps, if you're so inclined, you can feel free to think of me too! 

This holiday, more than ever, think to local businesses when making your shopping list.  Small businesses all over the world are suffering and you have the opportunity to make a huge impact on their businesses.  It might even be the difference of being able to stay open and closing down at the end of the year. Talk about an amazing power you have as a shopper.  Plus, not only are you getting spectacular items that are made with love, you're also going to have far more interesting gifts to give than the latest gizmo from the big box store.   

Here at Kate Talcott Artistry, we'll be having deals for Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, Birthday Sunday (my birthday), Cyber Monday, AND Giving Tuesday.  We even have a little surprise for your on Wednesday because, what can I say, I love to spoil you so.  

So please keep in touch if you want to catch these hot deals.  You can sign up for my newsletter here. Not only do we have adorable cards, stickers, dish towels, mugs, onesies, and notebooks...we also have wrapping paper and gift tags to make your gift look ever so charming.  

In addition to hyping our products, I wanted to take a moment to share some other small businesses this season.  I put out a call on Instagram and Facebook for small businesses who wanted to be featured on the blog.  I asked each of these folks to share one of their featured products for the holiday and a reason why shopping small means so much to them.  I've been sharing them and hyping them the last few days and will continue to do so for the rest of the week, so be sure to pop over to my Instagram Highlights to get all the goodies. 

It has been such a joy to check out all these delightful products and get a peek at what all these amazing shops have in store.  Here is a little video I made highlighting them and below is a list in alphabetical order with a link to their featured product! 

AmandaScripts: I am a calligrapher that provides custom pieces and elements to their party, event or wedding. I also do custom work for personal projects and businesses.

Bellascript Designs: Catie McDermott

Black Fox & Co.: We make and sell bows and headbands for babies and little girls!

Caroline Calligraphie: I'm a calligraphy & fine art studio! For the holiday season, I offer calligraphy prints, custom ornaments, and more!

Cheryl McCaffrey Art & Design: Hand illustrated paper goods & art inspired by nature

Ella Ruth Designs: Sticker, digital portraits, ornaments and other fun products made with love and to remind people to spread kindness and love other well.

Emily Williams Design: Shop Emily Williams Design for custom watercolor pieces that will bring a smile to your face! From art prints, desk accessories, to custom paintings we have it all!

Gert & Co: Gert & Co is your place to find fun, colorful and unique event & wedding stationery, home decor and gifts!

Han Made Good: I make quality accessories to help women feel more confident and put together. Accessories range from scrunchies to headbands, aprons to bags, as well as custom items!

JesMarried: Jessica McGinley

JJ Paperie & Company, LLC: JJ Paperie & Co is a calligraphy & stationery shop based in Hoboken with a love for playful & colorful patterns for greeting cards, prints and more.

Jocelyn Coffee Roasting: Jocelyn Coffee Roasting is a woman owned company that provides ethically sourced, fresh roasted, and delicious coffee. We’re dedicated to supporting women farmers and making a sustainable, equitable industry for all.

Julia Kay Calligraphy: Julia Kay Calligraphy is a boutique calligraphy studio specializing in greeting cards, stickers, art prints & hand-lettered wooden signs!

Kailynn Summer Design: Joyful and thoughtful designs for the home, your love story, and for your brand. I pride myself in providing one-of-a-kind products you're not going to find anywhere else that can become keepsakes for your home for years to come.

Kate Talcott Artistry, LLC: I'm a watercolor artist and my husband and I design paper goods and gifts that are bursting with delight and charm

KelseyMDesigns: Colorful and fun watercolor illustration for the whole family.

Kristin L. Murphy Artist: I'm a watercolor artist telling customer's stories through custom house portraits and pet portraits. I also have a line of paper products from art prints to greeting cards!

Ladychubbletters: I’m a mom who believes that words have the power to change us. And the perfect quote in a bold or beautiful font can be exactly what you need.

mad paperie: Whimsical and bright watercolors to brighten everyone's day!

Presutti Design: I’m a surface designer who offers vibrant, playful, and creative prints and patterns for crafty mama’s, kids lifestyle brands, specialty stationery, and modern housewares.

Puddle and Ink: Serendipitous ink artist in the Pacific Northwest creating colorful things to brighten your day!

Shemazing Designs: Sheena Mays of Shemazing Designs is the Sorceress of Snark. She is a hand letterer and sketch note artist from Akron, OH with a love for color and words. Find cards, stickers and fabulous snarky gifts that say exactly what you were thinking.

Sowing Ground LLC: Sowing Ground is your one stop shop for nature inspired goods for joyful living. Choose from a variety of paper products made from original illustrations or peruse through a selection of handmade goodies like patches and pins.

Studio Soprano: Studio Soprano helps people celebrate and stay connected with lush letterpressed stationery, AKA Better Mail! Gift a monthly membership to the Better Mail Club, a card service that sends you high quality greetings cards AND POSTAGE straight to your door.

Suno Henna: I think every day is beautiful, even if sometimes it’s hard hard to find. So I offer henna temporary body art in personal and party appointments and upcycled henna-inspired home decor to being more everyday beauty into your life!

Talking Out Of Turn: We're a female founded line of colorful gifts made here in North America. We strive to be inclusive while adding a bit of sass to your life!

The Gold Edit: The Gold Edit, AKA Kristen Lukiewski, makes things pretty! I focus on calligraphy and design throughout the year, but during Christmas I like to bring out the big guns, by which I mean: antique Christmas ornament wreaths.

Toques in the Wild: PNW Adventure photographer, we love capturing you, your family, loved ones, and furr babies making memories in the wilderness.

Tusks and Peonies: Edgy and feminist art, stickers, and gifts for awesome people!

Unlost Calligraphy Co.: Based in Austin, Texas, Unlost Calligraphy Co. opened in 2020 and is excited to create personalized ornaments, home decor items, and more! Unlost Calligraphy Co. aims to share the happiness and joy to its customers through beautiful calligraphy.

Wax and Ink: Custom wedding invitations and day of stationery with watercolour, graphic and calligraphy elements.